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Class U^j ^0 
Book .1 




ABRAHAM LINCOLN 



Printed directly from the original glass negative 
taken by Brady in Washington in 1864, now 
in the collection of Americana of Frederick 
Hill Meserve, New York City 



"N 



Lincoln's Account of 

The Hampton Roads 
Conference 

with 

Facsimiles from the Original Documents in 

the Collection of JuDD Stewart . .^ , . ^ 



PRIVATELY PRINTED 

1910 






' II 



Foreword 

Lincoln's account of the Hampton Roads Conference is cov- 
ered by his Messages to the House and Senate February lo, 1865. 
They are here reprinted as a fit setting for the fac-simile of his first 
letter dealing with the subject. He did not mention in the Mes- 
sages the incident covered by his telegram of February 4th and let- 
ter of February loth, as follows: 

Washington, D. C, February 4, 1865. 
Officer in Command at Johnson's Island, Ohio: Parole Lieu- 
tenant John A. Stephens, prisoner of War, to report to me here in 
person, and send him to me. It is in pursuance of an arrangement 
I made yesterday with his uncle, Hon, A. H. Stephens. 
Acknowledge receipt. 

A. Lincoln. 

Executive Mansion, February 10, 1865. 
Hon. A. H. Stephens: According to our agreement, your 
nephew. Lieutenant Stephens, goes to you bearing this note. 
Please, in return, to select and send to me that officer of the same 
rank imprisoned at Richmond, whose physical condition most ur- 
gently requires his release. 

Respectfully, 

A. Lincoln. 

I am informed by the War Department that no record of the 
name of the officer selected in exchange for Lieutenant Stephens 
can be found. 

JuDD Stewart. 



Hampton Roads Conference 

Message to the House of Representatives 

February lo, 1865. 
To the Honorable the House of Representatives: In response 
to your resolution of the 8th instant, requesting information in 
relation to a conference recently held in Hampton Roads, I have 
the honor to state that on the day of the date I gave Francis 
P. Blair, Sr., a card written on as follows, to wit: 

Allow the bearer, F. P. Blair, Sr., to pass our lines, go south, 
and return. 

A. Lincoln. 
December 28, 1864. 

That at the time I was informed that Mr. Blair sought the 
THE HAMPTON ROADS CONFERENCE 
card as a means of getting to Richmond, Virginia; but he was given 
no authority to speak, or act for the government, nor was I in- 
formed of anything he would say or do on his own account, or 
otherwise. Afterward Mr. Blair told me that he had been to 
Richmond, and had seen Mr. Jefiferson Davis; and he (Mr. Blair) 
at the same time left with me a manuscript letter, as follows, to wit: 

Richmond, Virginia, January 12, 1865. 

F. P. Blair, Esq. 

Sir: I have deemed it proper, and probably desirable to you, 
to give you, in this form, the substance of remarks made by me, to 
be repeated by you to President Lincoln, etc., etc. 

I have no disposition to find obstacles in forms, and am will- 
ing, now as heretofore, to enter into negotiations for the restoration 
of peace; am ready to send a commission whenever I have reason 
to suppose it will be received, or to receive a commission, if the 
United States Government shall choose to send one. That, not- 
withstanding the rejection of our former offers, I would, if you 
could promise that a commissioner, minister, or other agent would 
be received, appoint one immediately, and renew the effort to enter 
into conference, with a view to secure peace to the two countries. 

Yours, etc., 

Jefferson Davis. 

Afterward, and with the view that it should be shown to Mr. 
Davis, I wrote and delivered to Mr. Blair a letter as follows, to wit1 

Washington, Januarv 18, 1865. 
F. P. Blair, Esq. 

Sir: You having shown me Mr. Davis's letter to you of the 

5 



LINCOLN'S ACCOUNT OF 

1 2th instant, you may say to him that I have constantly been, am 
now, and shall continue ready to receive any agent whom he, or 
any other influential person now resisting the national authority 
may informally send to me, with the view of securing peace to the 
people of our one common country. 

Yours, etc., 

A. Lincoln. 

Afterward Mr. Blair dictated for and authorized me to make 
an entry on the back of my retained copy of the letter last above re- 
cited, which entry is as follows: 

January 28, 1865. 
To-day Mr. Blair tells me that on the 21st instant he deliv- 
ered to Mr. Davis the original, of which the within is a copy, 
and left it with him; that at the time of delivering it Mr. Davis 
read it over twice in Mr. Blair's presence, at the close of which he 
(Mr. Blair) remarked that the part about "our one common coun- 
try" related to the part of Mr. Davis's letter about "the two coun- 
tries," to which Mr. Davis replied that he so understood it. 

A. Lincoln. 

Afterward the Secretary of War placed in my hands the fol- 
lowing telegram, indorsed by him as appears: 

Executive Mansion. 
The following telegram received at Washington, January 29, 
1865: 

Headquarters Army of the James, 

January 29, 1865. 6:30 P. M. 
The following despatch just received from Major-General 
Parke, who refers it to me for my action. I refer it to you in Lieu- 
tenant-General Grant's absence. 

E. O. C. Ord, Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 
Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

January 29, 1865. 4 P. M. 
The following despatch is forwarded to you for your action. 
Since I have no knowledge of General Grant's having had any 
understanding of this kind, I refer the matter to you as the ranking 
officer present in the two armies. 

JNO. G. Parke, Major-General Commanding. 
Major-General E. O. C. Ord, 

Headquarters Army of the James. 

From Headquarters Ninth Army Corps, 29th. 
Alex. H. Stephens, R. M. T. Hunter, and J. A. Campbell de- 
sire to cross my lines, in accordance with an understanding claimed 

6 



THE HAMPTON ROADS CONFERENCE 

to exist with Lieutenant-General Grant, on their way to Washing- 
ton as peace commissioners. Shall they be admitted? They desire 
an early answer, to come through immediately. Would like to 
reach City Point to-night if they can. If they cannot do this, they 
would like to come through at lo A. M. to-morrow morning. 

O. B. Wilcox, 
Major-General Commanding 9th Corps. 
Major-General J no. G. Parke, 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac. 

Respectfully referred to the President for such instructions as 
he may be pleased to give. 

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. 
January 29, 1865. 8:30 P. M. 

It appears that about the time of placing the foregoing tele- 
gram in my hands, the Secretary of War despatched General Ord 
as follows, to wit: 

{Private and confidential.) 
War Department, January 29, 1865. 10 P. M. 
This department has no knowledge of any understanding by 
General Grant to allow any person to come within his lines as com- 
missioner of any sort. You will therefore allow no one to come 
into your lines under such character or profession until you receive 
the President's instructions, to whom your telegram will be sub- 
mitted for his directions. 

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. 
Major-General Ord. 

Afterward, by my direction, the Secretary of War telegraphed 
General Ord as follows, to wit: 

War Department, January 30, 1865. 10:30 A. M. 
By direction of the President, you are instructed to inform 
the three gentlemen, Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell, 
that a messenger will be despatched to them at or near where they 
now are without unnecessary delay. 

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. 
Major-General E. O. C. Ord. 

Headquarters Army of the James. 

Afterward I prepared and put into the hands of Major 
Thomas T. Eckert the following instructions and message: 

Executive Mansion, January 30, 1865. 
Major TH0^LAS T. Eckert. 

Sir: You will proceed with the documents placed in your 
hands, and, on reaching General Ord, will deliver him the letter 
addressed to him by the Secretary of War; then, by General Ord's 
assistance, procure an interview with Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, 



LINCOLN'S ACCOUNT OF 

and Campbell, or any of them. Deliver to him or them the paper 
on which your own letter is written. Note on the copy which you 
retain the time of delivery and to whom delivered. Receive their 
answer in writing, waiting a reasonable time for it, and which, if 
it contain their decision to come through without further condi- 
tion, will be your warrant to ask General Ord to pass them 
through, as directed in the letter of the Secretary of War to him. 
If, by their answer, they decline to come, or propose other terms, 
do not have them passed through. And this being your whole duty, 
return and report to me. 

Yours truly, 

A. Lincoln. 

Gentlemen: I am instructed by the President of the United 
States to place this paper in your hands, with the information that 
if you pass through the United States military lines, it will be 
understood that you do so for the purpose of an informal confer- 
ence on the basis of the letter, a copy of which is on the reverse 
side of this sheet, and that, if you choose to passon such understand- 
ing, and so notify me in writing, I will procure the commanding 
general to pass you through the lines and to Fortress Monroe, 
under such military precautions as he may deem prudent, and at 
which place you will be met in due time by such person or persons, 
for the purpose of such informal conference. And, further, that 
you shall have protection, safe-conduct, and safe return in all events. 

Thomas T. Eckert, 

Major and Aide-de-camp. 

City Point, Va., February i, 1865. 

Washington, January 18, 1865. 
F. P. Blair, Esq. 

Sir: You having shown me Mr. Davis's letter to you of the 
1 2th instant, you may say to him that I have constantly been, am 
now, and shall continue ready to receive any agent whom, he, or 
any other influential person now resisting the national authority, 
may informally send to me, with tlie view of securing peace to the 
people of our one common country. 

Vours, etc., 

A. Lincoln. 

Afterward, but before Major Eckert had departed, the fol- 
lowing despatch was received from General Grant: 
{Private an J confidential.) 
The following telegram, received at Washington, January 31, 

1865: 

City Point, Va., January 31, 1865. 10:30 A. M. 
His Excellency, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United 
States: 
The following communication was received here last evening: 

8 



THE HAMPTON ROADS CONFERENCE 

Petersburg, Virginia, January 30, 1865. 
Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, Commanding Armies of the 
United States. 
Sir: We desire to pass your lines under safe-conduct, and to 
proceed to Washington to hold a conference with President Lincoln 
upon the subject of the existing war, and with a view of ascertain- 
ing upon what terms it may be terminated, in pursuance of the 
course indicated by him in his letter to Mr. Blair of January 18, 
1865, of which we presume you have a copy, and if not we wish to 
see you in person, if convenient, and to confer with you upon the 
subject. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Alexander H. Stephens, 
• J. A. Campbell, 
\ R. M. T. Hunter. 

I have sent directions to recbive these gentlemen, and expect 
to have them at my quarters this eVe^ing, awaiting your instruc- 
tions. 
I U. S. Grant, 

Lieutenant-General Commanding Armies of the United States. 

This, it will be perceived, transferred General Ord's agency 
in the matter to General Grant. I resolved, however, to send Major 
Eckert forward with his message, and accordingly telegraphed 

General Grant as follows, to wit: 

Executive Mansion, January 31, 1865. 
Lieutenant-General Grant, City Point, Fa.: A messenger is 
coming to you on the business contained in your despatch. Detain 
the gentlemen in comfortable quarters until he arrives, and then 
act upon the message he brings as far as applicable, it having been 
made up to pass through General Ord's hands, and when the gen- 
tlemen were supposed to be beyond our lines. 

A. Lincoln. 

When Major Eckert departed, he bore with him a letter of the 
Secretary of War to General Grant, as follows, to wit: 

War Department, January 30, 1865. 
Lieutenant-General Grant, Commanding, etc. 

General: The President desires that you will please procure 
for the bearer, Major Thomas T. Eckert, an interview with Messrs. 
Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell, and if, on his return to you, he 
request it, pass them through our lines to Fortress Monroe, by such 
route and under such military precautions as you may deem pru- 
dent, giving them protection and comfortable quarters while there, 
and that you let none of this have any effect upon your movements 
or plans. 

By order of the President. 

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. 



LINCOLN'S ACCOUNT OF 

Supposing the proper point to be then reached, I despatched 
the Secretary of State with the following instructions, Major Eck- 
ert, however, going ahead of him: 

Executive Mansion, January 31, 1865. 
Hon. JVilliam H. Seivard, Secretary of State: You will pro- 
ceed to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, there to meet and informally 
confer with Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell, and on the 
basis of my letter to F. P. Blair, Esq., of January 18, 1865, a copy 
of which you have. You will make known to them that three 
things are indispensable, to wit: 

1. The restoration of the national authority throughout all 
the States. 

2. No receding by the executive of the United States on the 
slavery question from the position assumed thereon in the late 
annual message to Congress, and in preceding documents. 

3. No cessation of hostilities short of an end of the war and 
the disbanding of all forces hostile to the government. 

You will inform them that all propositions of theirs, not in- 
consistent with the above, will be considered and passed upon in 
a spirit of sincere liberality. You will hear all they may choose 
to say, and report it to me. You will not assume to definitely con- 
summate anything. Yours, etc. 

ABR.AHAM Lincoln. 

On the day of its date, the following telegram was sent to Gen- 
eral Grant: 

{Sent in Cipher at Q.-JO A. M.) 

War Department, February i, 1865. 
Lieutenant-General Grant, City Point, Virginia: Let nothing 
which is transpiring change, hinder, or delay your military move- 
ments or plans. 

A. Lincoln. 

Afterward the following despatch was received from General 
Grant: 

Military Telegraph, War Department. 
The following telegram received at Washington, 2 :30 P. M., 
February i, 1865: 

City Point, Va., February i, 1865. 12:30 P. M. 
His Excellency, A. Lincoln: Your despatch received. There 
will be no armistice in consequence of the presence of Mr. Steph- 
ens, and others within our lines. The troops are kept in readiness 
to move at the shortest notice, if occasion should justify it. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

To notify Major Eckert that the Secretary of Statte would be 

10 



THE HAMPTON ROADS CONFERENCE 

at Fortress Monroe, and to put them in communication, the fol- 
lowing despatch was sent: 

(Sent in Cipher at J.-JO P. M.) 

War Dkpartment, February i, 1865. 
Major T. T. Eckert, City Point, Virginia: Call at Fortress 
Monroe, and put yourself under direction of Mr. Seward, who will 
be there. 

A. Lincoln. 

On the morning of the 2d instant, the following telegrams were 
received by me, respectively from the Secretary of State and Major 
Eckert: 

Fort Monroe, Va., February i, 1865. 11:30 P. M. 

The President of the United States: Arrived at ten this even- 
ing. Richmond party not here. I remain here. 

William H. Seward. 

City Point, Ya., February i, 1865. 10 P. M. 

His Excellency, A. Lincoln: I have the honor to report the 
delivery of your communication and my letter at 4:15 this after- 
noon, to which I received a reply at 6 P. M., but not satisfactory. 

At 8 P. M. the following note, addressed to General Grant, 
was received: 

City Point, Va., February i, i86c. 
Lieutenant-General Grant. 

Sir: We desire to go to Washington city to confer informally 
with the President, personally, in reference to the matters men- 
tioned in his letter to Mr. Blair, of the i8th of January, ultimo, 
without any personal compromise on any question in the letter. 

We have the permission to do so from the authorities in Rich- 
mond. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Alex. H. Stephens, 
R. M. T. Hunter, 
J. A. Campbell. 
At 9:30 P. M., I notified them that they could not proceed 
further unless they complied with the terms expressed in my letter. 
The point of meeting designated in above note would not, in my 
opinion, be insisted upon. Think Fort Monroe would be accept- 
able. Having complied with my instructions, I will return to 
Washington to-morrow unless otherwise ordered. 

Thos. T. Eckert, Major, etc. 

On reading this despatch of Major Eckert, I was about to re- 
call him and the Secretary of State, when the following telegram 
of General Grant to the Secretary of War was shown me: 

1 1 



LINCOLN'S ACCOUNT OF 

Military Telegraph, War Dept. 
The following telegram received at Washington, February 2, 
1865. 4:35 A. M.: 

City Point, Va., February i, 1865. 10:30 P. M. 
Hon. Edii-in M. Stanton: Now that the interview between 
Major Eckert, under his written instructions, and Mr. Stephens 
and party has ended, I will state confidentially, but not officially 
— to become a matter of record — that I am convinced, upon con- 
versation with Messrs. Stephens and Hunter, that their intentions 
are good and their desire sincere to restore peace and union. I 
have not felt myself at liberty to express even views of my own, 
or to account for my reticency. This has placed me in an awkward 
position, which I could have avoided by not seeing them in the 
first instance. I fear now their going back without any expres- 
sion from any one in authority will have a bad influence. At the 
same time, I recognize the difficulties in the way of receiving these 
informal commissioners at this time, and do not know what to 
recommend. I am sorry, however, that Mr. Lincoln cannot have 
an interview with the two named in this dispatch, if not all three 
now within our lines. Their letter to me was all that the Presi- 
dent's instructions contemplated to secure their safe-conduct, if 
they had used the same language to Major Eckert. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

This despatch of General Grant changed my purpose; and ac- 
cordingly I telegraphed him, and the Secretary of State, respec- 
tively, as follows: 

{Sent in Cipher at Q A. M.) 

War Department, February 2, 1865. 
Lieutenant-General Grant, City Point, Virginia: Say to the 
gentlemen I will meet them personally at Fortress Monroe as soon 
as I can get there. 

A. Lincoln. 

{Sent in Cipher at Q A. M.) 

War Department, February 2, 1865. 
Hon. William H. Seward, Fortress Monroe, Virginia: In- 
duced by a despatch from General Grant, I join you at Fort Mon- 
roe as soon as I can come. 

A. Llncoln. 

Before starting the following despatch was shown me. I pro- 
ceeded, nevertheless. 

Office U. S. Military Telegraph, War Dept. 
The following telegram received at Washington, February 2, 
1865: 

City Point, Va., February 2, 1865. 9 A. M. 
Hon. William H. Seu-ard, Fort Monroe: The gentlemen here 

> 12 



THE HAMPTON ROADS CONFERENCE 

have accepted the proposed terms, and will leave for Fort Monroe 
at 9:30 A. M. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 
Copy to Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Wash- 
ington. 

On the night of the 2d, I reached Hampton Roads, found the 
Secretary of State and Major Eckert on a steamer anchored off- 
shore, and learned of them that the Richmond gentlemen were on 
another steamer also anchored offshore, in the Roads; and that the 
Secretary of State had not yet seen or communicated with them. 
Here I ascertained that Major Eckert had literally complied with 
his instructions, and I saw, for the first time, the answer of the 
Richmond gentlemen to him, which, in his despatch to me of the 
ist, he characterizes as "not satisfactory." That answer is as fol- 
lows, to wit: 

City Point, Va., February i, 1865. 
Thomas T. Eckert, Major and Aide-de-camp. 

Major: Your note, delivered by yourself this day, has been 
considered. In reply, we have to say that we were furnished 
with a copy of the letter of President Lincoln to Francis P. Blair, 
Esq., of the i8th of January, ultimo, another copy of which is ap- 
pended to your note. Our instructions are contained in a letter, of 
which the following is a copy: 

Richmond, January 28, 1865. 

In conformity with the letter of Mr. Lincoln, of which the 
foregoing is a copy, you are to proceed to Washington city for in- 
formal conference with him upon the issues involved in the exist- 
ing war, and for the purpose of securing peace to the two coun- 
tries. 

With great respect, your obedient servant. 

Jefferson Davis. 
The substantial object to be obtained by the informal confer- 
ence is to ascertain upon what terms the existing war can be ter- 
minated honorably. 

Our instructions contemplate a personal interview between 
President Lincoln and ourselves at Washington city, but with this 
explanation we are ready to meet any person or persons that Presi- 
dent Lincoln may appoint, at such place as he may designate. Our 
earnest desire is that a just and honorable peace may be agreed 
upon, and we are prepared to receive or submit propositions which 
may, possibly, lead to the attainment of that end. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Alexander H. Stephens, 
R. M. T. Hunter, 
John A. Campbell. 

13 



LINCOLN'S ACCOUNT OF 

A note of these gentlemen, subsequently addressed to General 
Grant, has already been given in Major Eckert's despatch of the 
I St instant. 

I also here saw, for the first time, the following note, addressed 
by the Richmond gentlemen to Major Eckert: 

City Point, Va., February 2, 1865. 
Thomas T. Eckert, Major and Aide-de-camp. 

Major: In reply to your verbal statement that your instruc- 
tions did not allow you to alter the conditions upon which a pass- 
port could be given to us, we say that we are willing to proceed to 
Fortress Monroe, and there to have an informal conference with 
any person or persons that President Lincoln may appoint, on the 
basis of his letter to Francis P. Blair of the i8th of January, ultimo, 
or upon any other terms or conditions that he may hereafter pro- 
pose, not inconsistent with the essential principles of self-govern- 
ment and popular rights upon which our institutions are founded. 
It is our earnest wish to ascertain, after a free interchange of 
ideas and information, upon what principles and terms, if any, a 
just and honorable peace can be established without the further 
effusion of blood, and to contribute our utmost efforts to accom- 
plish such a result. 

We think it better to add, that, in accepting your passport, we 
are not to be understood as committing ourselves to anything, but 
to carry to this informal conference the views and feelings above 
expressed. 

Very respectfully yours, etc., 

Alexander H. Stephens, 
J. A. Campbell, 
R. M. T. Hunter. 
Note. — The above communication was delivered to me at Fort 
Monroe at 4:30 P. M., February 2d, by Lieutenant-Colonel Bab- 
cock, of General Grant's staff. 

Thomas T. Eckert, Major and Aide-de-Camp. 

On the morning of the 3d, the three gentlemen, Messrs, Steph- 
ens, Hunter, and Campbell, came aboard of our steamer, and had 
an interview with the Secretary of State and myself, of several 
hours' duration. No question of preliminaries to the meeting was 
then and there made or mentioned. No other person was present; 
no papers were exchanged or produced; and it was, in advance, 
agreed that the conversation was to be informal and verbal merely. 

On our part the whole substance of the instructions to the Sec- 
retary of State, hereinbefore recited, was stated and insisted upon, 
and nothing was said inconsistent therewith; while, by the other 
party, it was not said that in any event or on any condition, they 
ever would consent to reunion; and yet they equally omitted to 
declare that they never would so consent. They seemed to desire 
a postponement of that qustion, and the adoption of some other 

> 14 



THE HAMPTON ROADS CONFERENCE 

course first which, as some of them seemed to argue, might or 
might not lead to reunion; but which course, we thought, would 
amount to an indefinite postponement. The conference ended 
without result. 

The foregoing, containing as is believed all the information 
sought, is respectfully submitted. 

Abraham Lincoln. 

Washington, February lo, 1865. 

Message to the Senate, February 10, 1865. 

To the Senate of the United States: In answer to the resolu- 
tion of the Senate of the 8th instant, requesting information con- 
cerning recent conversations or communications with insurgents, 
under executive sanction, I transmit a report from the Secretary of 
State, to whom the resolution was referred; 

Abraham Lincoln. 

To the President: The Secretary of State, to whom was re- 
ferred a resolution of the Senate of the 8th instant, requesting "the 
President of the United States, if, in his opinion, not incompatible 
with the public interests, to furnish to the Senate any information 
in his possession concerning recent conversations or communica- 
tions with certain rebels, said to have taken place under executive 
sanction, including communications with the rebel Jefiferson Davis, 
and any correspondence relating thereto," has the honor to report 
that the Senate may properly be referred to a special message of the 
President bearing upon the subject of the resolution, and trans- 
mitted to the House this day. Appended to this report is a copy 
of an instruction which has been addressed to Charles Francis 
Adams, Esq., envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of 
the United States at London, and which is the only correspondence 
found in this department touching the subject referred to in the 
resolution. 

Respectfully submitted, 

William H. Seward. 
Department of State, February 10, 1865. 

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams. 

{Extract.) [ 

No. 1258.] Department of State, February 7, 1865. 

On the morning of the 3d, the President, attended by the Sec- 
retary, received Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell on board 
the United States steam transport River Queen in Hampton Roads. 
The conference was altogether informal. There was no attendence 
of secretaries, clerks, or other witnesses. Nothing was written or 
read. The conversation, although earnest and free, was calm, and 
courteous, and kind on both sides. The Richmond party ap- 
proached the discussion rather indirectly, and at no time did they 



15 



/ 



THE HAMPTON ROx\DS CONFERENCE 

either make categorical demands, or tender formal stipulations or 
absolute refusals. Nevertheless, during the conference, which 
lasted four hours, the several points at issue betAveen the govern- 
ment and the insurgents were distinctly raised, and discussed fully, 
intelligently, and in an amicable spirit. What the insurgent party 
seemed chiefly to favor was a postponement of the question of 
separation, upon which the war is waged, and a mutual direction 
of efiforts of the government, as well as those of the insurgents, to 
some extrinsic policy or scheme for a season during which passions 
might be expected to subside, and the armies be reduced, and 
trade and intercourse betwen the people of both sections resumed. 
It was suggested by them that through such postponement we might 
now have immediate peace, with some not very certain prospect 
of an ultimate satisfactory adjustment of political relations between 
this government and the States, section, or people now engaged in 
conflict with it. 

This suggestion, though deliberately considered, was neverthe- 
less regarded by the President as one of armistice or truce, and he 
announced that we can agree to no cessation or suspension of hos- 
tilities, except on the basis of the disbandment of the insurgent 
forces, and the restoration of the national authority throughout all 
the States in the Union. Collaterally, and in subordination to the 
proposition which was thus announced, the antislavery policy of 
the United States was reviewed in all its bearings, and the Presi 
dent announced that he must not be expected to depart from the 
positions he had heretofore assumed in his proclamation of emanci- 
pation and other documents, as these positions were reiterated in 
his last annual message. It was further declared by the President 
that the complete restoration of the national authority was an in- 
dispensable condition of any assent on our part to whatever form 
of peace might be proposed. The President assured the other party 
that, while he must adhere to these positions, he would be prepared, 
so far as power is lodged with the executive, to exercise liberality. 
His power, however, is limited by the Constitution; and when 
peace should be made, Congress must necessarily act in regard to 
appropriations of money and to the admission of representatives 
from the insurrectionary States. The Richmond party were then 
informed that Congress had, on the 31st ultimo, adopted by a con- 
stitutional majority a joint resolution submitting to the several 
States the proposition to abolish slavery throughout the Union, 
and that there is every reason to expect that it will be soon accepted 
by three-fourths of the States, so as to become a part of the national 
organic law. 

The conference came to an end by mutual acquiescence, with- 
out producing an agreement of views upon the several matters dis- 
cussed, or any of them. Nevertheless, it is perhaps of some im- 
portance that we have been able to submit our opinions and views 
directly to prominent insurgents, and to hear them in answer in a 
courteous and not unfriendly manner. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

William H. Seward. 

16 









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